TicketsMarch 17, 2012
CINCINNATI - Senior midfielder Rachel Mercier (Catonsville, Md./Chapelgate Christian Academy) scored a career-high four goals, but it wasn't enough for the University of Cincinnati lacrosse team (3-3) to overcome Iona's (5-2) high-powered offense as it was defeated, 21-13, on Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium.
Senior midfielder Laura Simanski (Reisterstown, Md./Roland Park) contributed on the offensive end with a team-best five goals.
UC started off hot, as it scored the first four goals of the contest before holding its largest lead, 6-1, just 10 minutes in. But the Gaels wouldn't go down without a fight, as it scored five of the next six goals to tie it at 7-7 with 10 minutes remaining. The remainder of the half became a back-and-forth battle before the two teams settled with a 10-10 score at the intermission.
The Bearcats struggled to find the net in the second half, as it was outscored 11-3 in the final 30 minutes. Cincinnati came within two of the Gaels, 15-13, with 13:31 left on the clock, but Iona went on a 6-0 run in the final minutes, including three on free position attempts, to make it a 21-13 final.
After winning 12 draw controls in the first half, the Bearcats only registered four in the second half. Cincinnati recorded 11 more fouls than Iona. It had 18 in the second half, while the Gaels committed only seven.
The Bearcats take a 10-day break before hosting Louisville on Tuesday, March 27 at 5 p.m. at Nippert Stadium.